Article of furniture with means to be converted to physical exercise equipment, and vice versa, physical exercise equipment with means to be converted to an article of furniture

ABSTRACT

One embodiment of an article of furniture with means to be converted to physical exercise equipment; and vice versa, physical exercise equipment with means to be converted into an article of furniture. Structures and mechanisms are designed to allow an article of furniture to be converted to physical exercise equipment and vice versa.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. 61/942,597, filed 2014 Feb. 20 by the present inventor.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

None

SEQUENCE LISTING None BACKGROUND Prior Art

The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant:

U.S. Patents Pat. No. Kind Code Issue Date Patentee U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,134 A Jul. 23, 1991 Dale Burchett U.S. Pat. No. 2,632,645 A Mar. 24, 1953 Barkschat Eric

This relates to an article of furniture, for example, but not limited to, a bed (twin, full, queen, king or any size), a table, a sofa, a ping pong table, a pool table, a cabinet, a chest, an armoire, that can be converted to physical exercise equipment; for example a treadmill, a stationary bicycle, a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises. Or vice versa, this relates to physical exercise equipment, for example, a treadmill, a stationary bicycle, a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises that can be converted to an article of furniture, for example, but not limited to, a bed (twin, full, queen, king or any size), a table, a ping pong table, a pool table, a cabinet, a chest, an armoire. Variations on the design will allow a combination of two or more different functions for the equipment; for example, an armoire that can be converted into a bed, and then into a physical exercise machine, or in a different order as required by the user.

There are on the market several types of physical exercise equipment, but due to their considerable large size, not many consumers opt to purchase that kind of equipment because they don't have a dedicated space to place the equipment in their houses or apartments.

Also, for physical exercise equipment to be of real benefit to the user, it has to be used frequently. For this reason it is preferable to be placed in a location easily accessible, for example, a dedicated room in a house or apartment, a large entertainment area, etc. Unfortunately not all the consumers have in their house or apartment a dedicated space like an extra room or a large entertainment area to place physical exercise equipment. When the physical exercise equipment is placed in a location not so easily accessible or uncomfortable, as a basement, or a garage, for example, it is less likely to use the equipment very frequently.

In conclusion, insofar as I am aware, no equipment formerly developed provides the characteristics described above to convert an article of furniture, for example, but not limited to, a bed (twin, full, queen, king or any size), a table, a sofa, a ping pong table, a pool table, a cabinet, a chest, an armoire, to physical exercise equipment; for example a treadmill, a stationary bicycle, a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises. Or vice versa, physical exercise equipment, for example a treadmill, a stationary bicycle, a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises that can be converted to an article of furniture, for example, but not limited to, a bed (twin, full, queen, king or any size), a table, a ping pong table, a pool table, or a storage space like a closet, a cabinet, a chest, an armoire.

Advantages

Accordingly several advantages of one or more aspects are to provide a more convenient alternative to consumers with limited space on a house or apartment to acquire physical exercise equipment. A consumer may have a guest room/fitness gym room in the same room by having the equipment described above. By having physical exercise equipment easily available, it will be more likely for the consumer to use the equipment more frequently and to be in good physical shape. An article of furniture with means to be converted to physical exercise equipment can also be used to store additional physical exercise equipment, for example, a set of dumbbells, additional weights and bars and related accessories. In addition, the construction of the equipment structure(s) will be mainly of steel, aluminum or stainless steel, which will provide a long service life. Still further advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the following description and the accompanying drawings and figures.

DRAWINGS Figures Brief Description

FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the user's left side of a bed constructed in accordance with one embodiment with means to be converted to a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view from the user's left side of a bed constructed in accordance with one embodiment, which is converted to a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises. The handles for chest press 34 are shown in the retracted position.

FIG. 1B is a left side view of a bed showing the structures and mechanisms designed to allow it to be converted to a strength training machine for different strength exercises; or vise-versa, a strength training machine for different strength exercises having structures and mechanisms designed to allow it to be converted to a bed. The handles for chest press 34 are in the retracted position.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view from the user's left side of a bed constructed in accordance with one embodiment, which is converted to a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises with the handles for chest press 34 in the extended position.

FIG. 1D is a top view of a bed constructed in accordance with one embodiment, which is converted to a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises with the handles for chest press in the extended position.

FIG. 1E is a section view from the left side view of a bed showing the structures and mechanisms designed to allow it to be converted to a strength training machine for different strength exercises. The handles for chest press 34 are in the extended position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the user's left side of an armoire constructed in accordance with an embodiment with means to be converted to a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises and also to a bed.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view from the user's left side of an armoire constructed in accordance with an embodiment, which is converted to a bed, and which can be converted into a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view from the user's left side of an armoire constructed in accordance with an embodiment, which is converted to a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises, and which can be converted into a bed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the user's left side of a bed constructed in accordance with one embodiment with means to be converted to a treadmill.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view from the user's left side of a bed constructed in accordance with one embodiment, which is converted to a treadmill.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view from the user's left side of an armoire constructed in accordance with an embodiment with means to be converted to a treadmill and also to a bed.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view from the user's left side of an armoire constructed in accordance with an embodiment, which is converted to a bed, and which can be converted into a treadmill.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view from the user's left side of an armoire constructed in accordance with an embodiment, which is converted to a treadmill, and which can be converted to a bed.

REFERENCE NUMERALS FOR DRAWINGS Figures

-   22 bottom frame -   24 top frame -   25 horizontal structural component -   26 mattress -   27 strap -   28 top frame lock pins (both sides) -   30 armrest for chest fly (both sides) -   31 pivot pin for chest fly (both sides) -   32 armrest for biceps curl -   34 handles for chest press -   35 pivot pin for chest press -   36 bar for lat pull-down -   38 rest for legs extension -   40 backrest -   42 seat -   44 weights -   45 weights selection pin -   46 top frame pivot pins (both sides) -   48 backrest top link (both sides) -   49 backrest top link pins (both sides) -   50 backrest bottom link (both sides) -   51 backrest bottom link pins -   52 backrest frame -   54 seat frame -   56 vertical seat support -   58 legs extension link -   60 seat conversion link -   62 backrest conversion link -   64 top pin for backrest conversion link -   66 bottom pin for backrest conversion link -   68 seat frame pin -   70 pin for vertical seat support -   72 pivot pin for legs extension link -   74 bar for biceps curl -   76 chain for biceps curl bar -   78 pulley (all) -   80 telescopic support for lat pull down pulley -   82 support/guide for telescopic support for lat pull down pulley -   84 front pin for seat conversion link -   86 rear pin for seat conversion link -   88 outer part of telescopic guide to switch from different use modes     (chest fly/chest press to lat pull down/conversion to bed, etc.) -   89 front pivot pin for telescopic guide to switch from different use     modes -   90 inner part of telescopic guide to switch from different use modes -   91 rear pivot pin for telescopic guide to switch from different use     modes -   92 pin to switch from different use modes (chest fly/chest press to     lat pull down/conversion to bed or vice versa) -   94 lat pull down cable -   95 chain for lat pull down -   96 chest press/chest fly cable -   98 legs extension/biceps curl cable -   200 armoire enclosure -   202 armoire door(s) -   204 armoire pivot pin -   206 treadmill handles -   208 pivot pins for treadmill handles (both sides) -   210 conversion link for treadmill handles (both sides) -   212 top pin for conversion link for treadmill handles (both sides) -   214 bottom pin for conversion link for treadmill handles (both     sides) -   216 treadmill moving belt assembly -   218 treadmill info screen and control panel

DRAWINGS Figures Detailed Description DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D AND 1E First Embodiment

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an article of furniture, in this case a bed with means to be converted to a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises. Other bed sizes such as twin, queen, king or any size can be used as well. The main structure(s) are made of carbon steel squared, rectangular, and round tubes, but other materials e.g. aluminum, stainless steel, or composite materials can be used for the construction of the structure as well. On FIG. 1, the bed only has installed the mattress to show the main structure(s). When a fitted sheet, bed skirt and a comforter are installed on the bed, it will be very difficult or not possible to differentiate between a regular bed and the bed with means to be converted to a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises.

FIG. 1A illustrates a bed converted to a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises. The resistance to the strength training machine of one embodiment is provided by weights 44 that can be made out of solid steel, plastic molds filled with cement and other materials can be used as well to build the weights. The resistance for the strength training machine can also be provided by other means e.g. pneumatic cylinders, springs, flexing of metal or composite material bars, as well. The handles for chest press 34 are shown in the retracted position.

The bottom frame 22, that is comprised of several structural components joined together, provide support for the top frame 24, that is also comprised of several structural components that support the bed mattress 26 and all the other components of the strength training machine systems. The mattress 26 is hold to the top frame 24 with strap 27. The mattress can be hold to the top frame with other means such as bolted clamps, or a custom mattress can be provided with special attachments. The top frame 24 is attached to the bottom frame 22 by top frame pivot pins 46. Top frame 24 pivots on top frame pins 46 during the conversion processes.

FIG. 1B is a left side view of a bed having structures and mechanisms designed to allow it to be converted to a strength training machine for different strength exercises. Or vise-versa, a strength training machine for different strength exercises with mechanisms designed to allow it to be converted to a bed.

Backrest top links 48, and backrest bottom links 50 support backrest frame 52 (with backrest 40 attached), to the top frame 24. Backrest bottom links 50 pivot on backrest bottom link pins 51, and backrest top links 48 pivot on backrest top link pins 49. Backrest frame 52 is attached to backrest bottom links 50 and backrest top links 48 with tube segments that extend from the backrest frame 52 on both sides that are inserted and pivot on the horizontal tube segments of backrest bottom links 50 and backrest top links 48. Seat frame 54 (with seat 42 attached), is attached to backrest frame 52 with seat frame pin 68. Seat frame 54 pivots on seat frame rear pin 68. Vertical seat support 56 is attached to the seat frame 54 with pivot pin for vertical seat support 70. Vertical seat support 56 pivots on pin for vertical seat support 70 during the conversion processes. Seat conversion link 60 maintains vertical seat support 56 in the appropriate position for the operation of the strength training machine. Seat conversion link 60 pivots on front pin for seat conversion link 84 and rear pin for seat conversion link 86 (shown on FIG. 1E). Backrest conversion links 62 pivots on top pins for backrest conversion link 64, and bottom pins for backrest conversion link 66. Backrest conversion link 62 maintain backrest bottom links 50, backrest frame 52 and backrest top links 48 in the appropriate position for the operation of the strength training machine.

FIG. 1C, show a bed converted into a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises with the handles for chest press 34 in the extended position.

FIG. 1D shows a top view of a bed converted to a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises with the handles for chest press 34 in the extended position.

FIG. 1E is a section view of a bed converted into a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises to show some components are not shown on other drawings/figures.

FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B illustrate an additional embodiment of an article of furniture, in this case an armoire that can be converted to a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises and also to a bed. FIG. 2 illustrates an armoire enclosure 200 with one of the two doors 202 open to show the components which will become a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises, and also to a bed. FIG. 2A illustrates the above mentioned armoire converted to a bed. FIG. 2B illustrates the armoire converted to a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises.

FIGS. 3 and 3A illustrate an additional embodiment of an article of furniture, in this case a bed that can be converted to a treadmill. Other bed sizes such as twin, queen, king or any other size can be used as well. The main structure(s) are made of carbon steel squared, rectangular, and round tubes, but other materials e.g. aluminum, stainless steel, or composite materials can be used for the construction of the structure as well. On FIG. 3, the bed only has installed the mattress to show the main structure(s). When a fitted sheet, bed skirt and a comforter are used on the bed, it will be very difficult or not possible to differentiate between a regular bed and the bed that can be converted to treadmill. FIG. 3A illustrates a bed converted to a treadmill.

FIGS. 4, 4A and 4B illustrate an additional embodiment of an article of furniture, in this case an armoire that can be converted to a treadmill and also to a bed. FIG. 4 illustrates an armoire enclosure 200 with one of the two doors 202 open to show the components which will convert to a treadmill, and also to a bed. FIG. 4A illustrates the armoire converted to a bed. FIG. 4B illustrates the armoire converted to a treadmill.

Operation FIGS. 1, 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d and 1 e

The manner of using an article of furniture, in this case a bed with means to be converted to a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises (and vice versa) is similar to that for beds and strength training machines in present use with the exception of the additional steps required for the conversion processes.

To convert a bed to a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises, the first step is to hold the top frame 24 by the horizontal structural component 25 and lift the top frame 24 until it is in a vertical position. The top frame 24 can be hold from other structural components as well while is being lifted.

On this embodiment the weights 44 are located on the opposite side of the top frame pivot pins 46, and they work as a counterbalance to assist the user in the conversion processes. Additional metal or air springs, or pneumatic cylinders, or other types of actuators can also be installed as well depending on the weight of the mattress plus all other components to minimize the force required to be applied by the user to move the top frame 24 from the horizontal position to the vertical position and vice versa.

Once the top frame is in the vertical position, the next step is to install the top frame lock pins 28 on both sides. The top frame lock pins 28 are required to keep the top frame in the vertical position during the operation of the strength training machine for different types of strength exercises. Other types of mechanisms can be used to lock the top frame 24 in the vertical position such as locking latches for example.

While the top frame 24 is being lifted, the backrest conversion links 62 guide backrest bottom links 50, backrest frame 52 (with backrest 40 attached) and backrest top links 48 to the required position for the operation of the strength training machine for different types of strength exercises. Backrest conversion link 62 maintain backrest bottom links 50, backrest frame 52 and backrest top links 48 in the appropriate position for the operation of the strength training machine.

At the same time while the top frame 24 is being lifted, seat frame 54 (with seat 42 attached), and vertical seat support 56 move to the required position for the operation of the strength training machine for different types of strength exercises. Seat conversion link 60 maintains vertical seat support 56 and seat frame 54 (with seat 42 attached) in the required position for the operation of the strength training machine for different types of strength exercises.

After the bed is converted to a strength training machine, the user positions on the seat 42 to perform any of the various types of strength exercises. The resistance or force to be applied to perform any of the physical exercises can be adjusted as desired by the user. The resistance to the strength training machine of one embodiment is provided by weights 44 that can be made out of solid steel, plastic molds filled with cement and other materials can be used as well to build the weights. Weights selection pin 45 is used to select the desired amount of weights/resistance for each physical exercise. Different cables guided by various pulleys 78 transfer the force applied for each strength exercise to the weights. The resistance for the strength training machine can also be provided by other means e.g. pneumatic cylinders, springs, flexing of metal or composite material bars, as well.

To perform the lat pull down exercise, the user holds the bar for lat pull down 36 and applies the required force and movement. The bar for lat pull down 36 is connected to lat pull down cable 94 with chain for lat pull down 95 and chain threaded quick link connectors. Optional different attachments can be used instead of the bar for lat pull down to perform additional strength exercises, for example but not limited to triceps pushdown rope or triceps pushdown bar, etc. The telescopic support for lat pull down pulley 80 is pushed out by a spring installed inside it when the top frame 24 is being lifted and remains in the required extended position for the operation of the strength training machine. The telescopic support for lat pull down pulley 80 slides on guide for telescopic support for lat pull down pulley 82 that is part of the top frame 24. When the strength training machine is converted to a bed, the telescopic support for lat pull down pulley 80 is pushed in by the weight of the top frame 24 and all the components attached to it.

On the initial configuration of the strength training machine after being converted from a bed, the handles for chest press 34 are in the retracted position that is required to be converted into a bed and to perform the lat pull down exercise. The pin to switch from different use modes 92 maintains the handles for chest press 34 in the required position. The inner part of telescopic guide to switch from different use modes 90 is attached to the handles for chest press 34 with front pivot pin for telescopic guide to switch from different use modes 89. The outer part of telescopic guide to switch from different use modes 88 is attached to top frame 24 with rear pivot pin for telescopic guide to switch from different use modes 91. The inner part of telescopic guide to switch from different use modes 90 pivots on front pivot pin for telescopic guide to switch from different use modes 89. The outer part of telescopic guide to switch from different use modes 88 pivots on rear pivot pin for telescopic guide to switch from different use modes 91. The inner part of telescopic guide to switch from different use modes 90 slides inside the outer part of telescopic guide to switch from different use modes 88. To switch the handles for chest press 34 from the retracted position to the extended position, the user removes the pin to switch from different use modes 92 and moves the handles for chest press 34 to the extended position and reinstall the pin to switch from different use modes 92. To switch the handles for chest press 34 from the extended position to the retracted position, the user removes pin to switch from different use modes 92 and moves the handles for chest press 34 to the retracted position and reinstall the pin to switch from different use modes 92. Different types of mechanism can be used to lock the handles for chest press 34 in the required position such as a locking latch, an adjustable clamp or a spring return pin as well.

To perform the chest fly exercise, the user position its arms on the armrest for chest fly 30 and applies the required force and movement. To perform the chest press exercise, the user position its hands on the handles for chest press 34 and applies the required force and movement. To perform the biceps curl exercise, the user holds the bar for biceps curl 74 and position its arms on the armrest for biceps curl 32 and then applies the required force and movement. The bar for biceps curl 74 is connected to legs extension/biceps curl cable with chain for biceps curl bar 76 and chain threaded quick link connectors. Optional different attachments can be used instead of the bar for biceps curl 74 to perform additional strength exercises for example but not limited to a seated row attachment.

To perform the legs extension exercise, the user needs to remove the bar for biceps curl 74 and the chain for biceps curl bar 76 and chain threaded quick link connectors, if already installed. Then the user position both legs on the rests for legs extension 38 and apply the required force and movement.

To convert a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises to a bed, the first step is to insure that the handles for chest press 34 are in the retracted position. Then it is required to remove the top frame lock pins 28 while holding the top frame 24, and then lower the top frame 24 until it is in the horizontal position.

FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 4, 4A, 4B Additional Embodiments

FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B illustrate an article of furniture, in this case an armoire that can be converted to a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises and also to a bed. The manner of using the above mentioned article of furniture, in is similar to that for armoires, strength training machines and beds in present use with the exception of the additional steps required for the conversion processes.

For the user to convert the armoire to a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises, the first step is to open the doors 202 that are attached to the armoire enclosure 200 with hinges. The user then lowers the bed with means to be converted to a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises. The bed with means to be converted to a strength training machine for different types of strength exercises is attached to the armoire enclosure 200 with armoire pivot pins 204. The additional conversion processes and operation of are similar to those described for FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D.

FIGS. 3 AND 3A

The manner of using an article of furniture, in this case a bed, that can be converted to a treadmill (and vice versa) is similar to that for beds and treadmills in present use with the exception of the additional steps required for the conversion processes. To convert a bed to a treadmill, the first step is to hold the top frame 24 by the horizontal structural component 25 and lift the top frame 24 until it is in a vertical position. The top frame 24 can be hold from other structural components as well while is being lifted.

Once the top frame 24 is in the vertical position, the next step is to install the top frame lock pins 28 on both sides. The top frame lock pins 28 are required to keep the top frame in the vertical position during the operation of the treadmill. Other types of mechanisms can be used to lock the top frame 24 in the vertical position such as locking latches for example.

While the top frame 24 is being lifted, conversion links for treadmill handles 210 guide treadmill handles 206 to the required position for the operation of the treadmill. Conversion links for treadmill handles 210 maintain treadmill handles 206 in the appropriate position for the operation of the treadmill. Treadmill handles 206 are attached to top frame 24 with pivot pins for treadmill handles 208. Conversion links for treadmill handles 210 pivot on top pins for conversion link for treadmill handles 212 and bottom pins for conversion link for treadmill handles 214.

To convert the treadmill to a bed, the first step is to remove the top frame lock pins 28 while holding the top frame 24 and then lower the top frame 24 until it is in the horizontal position.

FIGS. 4, 4A, AND 4B

FIGS. 4, 4A, and 4B illustrate an article of furniture, in this case an armoire that can be converted to a treadmill and also to a bed. The manner of using the above mentioned article of furniture is similar to that for armoires, treadmills and beds in present use with the exception of the additional steps required for the conversion processes.

For the user to convert the armoire to a treadmill or to a bed, the first step is to open the doors 202 that are attached to the armoire enclosure 200 with hinges. The bed that can be converted to a treadmill is attached to the armoire enclosure 200 with armoire pivot pins 204. The additional conversion processes and operation are similar to those described for FIGS. 3 and 3A.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE

Accordingly, the reader will see that an article of furniture that can be converted to physical exercise equipment, and vice versa, a physical exercise equipment that can be converted to furniture of the various embodiments can provide consumers with limited space on a house or apartment a more convenient alternative to acquire physical exercise equipment. Furthermore, an article of furniture that converts to physical exercise equipment, or vice versa, has the additional advantages in that:

-   -   It allows to a consumer to have a bedroom and a fitness gym room         in the same room.     -   By having physical exercise equipment easily available, it will         be more likely for the consumer to use the equipment more         frequently and to be in good physical shape     -   It can also be used to store additional physical exercise         equipment, for example but not limited to, a set of dumbbells,         additional free weights and bars and related optional         accessories.

Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of several embodiments. For example, an article of furniture that converts to physical exercise equipment, or vice versa, can also be a table, a sofa, a ping pong table, a pool table, or a storage space like a closet, a cabinet, a chest, an armoire. The physical exercise machine can also be for example but not limited to, a stationary bicycle, an elliptical running machine etc.

Thus the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given. 

I claim:
 1. An article of furniture with means to be converted into physical exercise equipment, and vice versa, physical exercise equipment with means to be converted into an article of furniture. 